Over the past year, we’ve collected empty Fernet Barrels from our friends at Leopold Bros. Distillery. Their distinct Fernet includes lavender, honeysuckle, ginger root, bitter aloe, dandelion root, rose petals, chamomile, and pepper. Inspired by the herb & spice flavors of this dark minty liqueur, we promptly filled the barrels with a rich porter. The roasty chocolate malt character is infused with hints of mint and licorice from the herb-soaked oak, creating a decadent flavor and aroma.

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We dig it when a brewery thinks beyond the norm. Aged in Fernet barrels from Leopold Bros. (who use lavender, honeysuckle, ginger root, bitter aloe, dandelion root, rose petals, chamomile and pepper in their spirit), this is a 50% Porter and 50% Fernet barrel-aged Porter blend. Simply put: This is one of the most complex and delicious barrel-aged beers we’ve ever had.

Smell: Chocolate, molasses, licorice and some odd spiciness that I can't identify. Mostly though, it smells like a Porter.

Taste: The Porter backbone is evident out of the gate, with chocolate, molasses and light licorice (although the licorice could be more more from the Fernet barrels than the base beer). Some light oak shines through, and then the finish is herbal, with touches of lavender, flower petals and ginger. There is a lingering aftertaste that is minty and herbal in a slightly bitter way.

Feel: Fairly full bodied and creamy. Moderate carbonation. I guess the finish is somewhat dry, but is mostly just a little odd.

Overall: Interesting and unique beer. The Fernet barrel aging really imparts some flavors that mostly play well with the Porter even if the aftertaste was occasionally distracting. Some sips I loved it and some I was distracted by the mint and herbs, but overall I was quite pleased. (1,035 characters)

L: It is a lively pour with deep bright mahogany producing a clingy and persistent frothy 3” tan foam collar with heterogeneous bubbles. S: Prune and raisin, dark malt, chocolate, faint spice. T: The attack starts with dark dried fruits, some dark sugars, light roast and hints of chocolate. F: Creamy medium-high carbonation, medium to medium full body. O: While the influence of the barrels is very subtle, this is one fine porter. (439 characters)

Poured from a cork-and-cage bottle into my DFH tulip. Served at around 60 degrees.

A - Pours a rich burnt-coffee brown, that is almost impossible to see the light through.A heavy pour generates almost three fingers of rocky head, that hangs around for more than two minutes, leaving a light amount of wispy lacing on the glass. When swirled in the tulip, it kicks back up to a one-finger head, all by itself. Methinks a decent amount of flaked oats went into this beer, to help all that head-retention.

S - Peppermint, Chamomile, and Lavender take center stage, backed up by light Black malt notes that keep it from being cloying. I'm pretty sure I get hints of spearmint, and there is also some honey-ish sweetness there too, which bring to mind the honeysuckle used in this beer. Just smelling it makes me want to taste the Fernet that the Leopold brothers make! Just sticking my nose in it tells me this beer is something completely different.

T - Herbal notes hit the front of the palate hard. Peppermint, sage, and rosemary lead the way, being rounded out by honeyed sweetness, lactose, and a hint of sweet basil.The malt is there, and hops make little to appearance at all, which is fine with this beer, taking into account the fact that it IS aged in Fernet barrels.My buddy Byron who brought this home to me told me "I got you this beer because there is so much going on with it, that we KNEW you'd appreciate it." You were right, Sir. You Handsome, Spectacled Sonofagun.

M - Creamy, rich, and smooth, this guy leaves nothing to be desired.It is round, full, and lingering, hanging on to the back of your palate like a Titanic passenger trying not to fall into the icy waters waiting below them. The carbonation is there, but serves only to help the beer settle onto the palate, and hang out like Snoop Lion in Jamaica. The herbs add a bit of soapiness to the mouthfeel, but in no way make this beer abrasive.

O - An amazing effort in the world of Robust/Imperial porter, FAP (HA!) should have a place on a pedestal in the frigging Smithsonian. This is one of the most versatile, deep, and mind-punching beers that I have ever had the pleasure to lay lip to.Yes, I know Odell's will be available in Texas next year, but this makes me want them here NOW!!! Truly the nectar of the Gods. If you see this bottle, GRAB IT, And don't look back. RUN HOME, grab your favorite tulip glass, and hide in a closet under a blanket while you carefully savor every single sip. To quote Peter Griffin from Family Guy "Holy Crap, Lois!" I wish this bottle was never-ending... *Sigh* Anyone want to trade one for some Black Butte 25 or Stone Woot??? It's that good. I'd even give up my last FSW Parabola for another.

Large pillowy head sits atop a dark black brew. Light spotty lacing is left down the glass. A thin cap remains behind.

Herbaceous aroma that is not a surprise. I have no experience with Fernet but the description of the label gives me an idea what to expect. Chamomile and lavender being the most distinctive. Slight mint notes as well as influences from the oak barrel.

There is a robust porter that is the base for this beer, and in the end, it has the most positive qualities. The barrel-aging aspect did not result in a product that appealed to me. This tastes very woody, earthy, herbal, and licorice. It kills the chocolate malty notes that I enjoy.

Big robust body. Expertly carbonated results in a silky smooth, soft texture that is a joy to drink.

The first few sips were very enjoyable, but it soon became overwhelming. Not sure what the use of Fernet is, but there is probably a reason why I never came across it before. (936 characters)